Phenom Hoops travelled to Huntersville, NC to cover Coach Duane Lewis’ North Mecklenburg Viking. Coach Lewis is regarded as one of the top boys high school coaches in the NCHSAA and North Mecklenburg has been a traditional powerhouse and this year is no exception. One thing is for certain, Coach Lewis always has plenty of D1 prospects and the gym was packed with college coaches. Now, let’s take a look at the players.
6’7 Senior Jaylen McManus
McManus currently has 20 plus D1 offers and is getting interest from Providence, Creighton, Iowa State, Wichita State, and Tulsa per coach Duane Lewis. He can play multiple positions and can become a mismatch with his ability to play on the interior as well as the perimeter. McManus has really improved his 3-point shooting and looked outstanding in open gym in front of a dozen coaches on hand. We particularly like his mobility and has solid ball handling and passing skills for his size/position.
6’4 Senior Davion Mintz
Mintz like his teammate Jaylen McManus has no shortage of offers. He too has 20 plus D1 offers. Athleticism, skill set and academics are a nice trio of attributes that translates well at the next level. McManus sports an impressive 4.0 GPA and is a high character young man. He displays great leadership and is equally focused on and off the court. In speaking with Coach Duane Lewis, he stated “ Davion is one of the more goal driven players he has coached in some time.”
Davion has good length and does an excellent job of getting others involved. He is really dangerous in creating his own shot off the dribble and his midrange jumper is usually his most effective offensive weapon.
6’1 Senior Kendall Coles
Coles has several D2 offers and is also gaining interest from Lafayette, Wofford, Robert Morris, and VMI. He is blessed with excellent athleticism and is a two sport star. He’s an offensive threat at all times and he has mastered the change of pace dribble hesitation move. Kendall is constantly attacking on the offensive end of the court and will be the perfect compliment to the McManus and Mintz. Kendall sports a 3.5 GPA and is a well rounded student athlete.
6’0 Senior Timmy Walker
Walker was simply sensational in open gym and definitely opened a few eyes from the college coaches in attendance. He is best with raw/natural athleticism and excels in transition. That being said, he was in the “zone” at open gym. He was scoring off the catch and shoot plus moving well without the ball. Walker currently has an offer from Delaware State.
6’5 Senior Ethan Wacker
Ethan Wacker is a throw back to you blue collar workhorse. He is a fierce competitor and will battle you every second on the court. No matter the setting/venue, Wacker is going to give you effort and energy.